Ticked-Off Trannies With Knives director Israel Luna — who unknowingly created this year’s most scandalous film! — has heard ya loud and queer, critics. He’s going to change the official trailer (the original is above) to make violence against trans women appear less, uh, glamorous.

“I was prompted to write this movie in part by the hate crimes against the trans community; which is why the tragic stories of Angie Zapata and Jorge Mercado appear at the beginning of my trailer,” says Luna in a statement. “My initial thought of placing them there was to give a disturbing reality to my film about transgender violence. After listening to some of the voices in the trans-community I’ve decided to remove those references from the trailer. I plan to post a new trailer later this week (Facebook, YouTube and and our movie website.) It seems that the association between their brutal stories and the revenge/thriller content of the film in it’s entirety, has been difficult to connect. Even with this change, I hope the trailer will continue to raise awareness of the horrible truth of rampant violence against trans-women.”

Luna is dead wrong on this one. While his trailer is clumsy, he should stand by his film. Something tells me that the cadre of critics trying to stop this film (and ironically making it one of my most anticipated films of the year) wont care.

The outcry is to me, the worst PC crap possible proving that some of our gate keepers have forgotten one of the most important aspects of Queer culture: the ability to laugh at ourselves. This film came from within our community, it embraces our love of the absurd, the campy, the transgressive, the over the top. While I cannot be a judge of how well Luna delivers on the attempt at humor, camp or satire, having not seen the film, the quality of the delivery is beside the point.

Pam’s House Blend, GLAAD and the trans activist (someone named, was it Gina?) who started the brouhaha against this film are soulless humorless jerks and don’t represent any community I want to be part of.

What would GLAAD have thought of John Waters’ depiction of lesbians in Desperate Living? It’s silly to judge a campy underground satire the way you would judge a mainstream film or TV movie. The exaggerated behavior is a joke. GLAAD is sad.

Mar 30, 2010 at 11:26 am · @Reply ·

Tipper

The trailer is still in the works I’ve heard and should be ready for re-release very soon.

I’m on the fence about having it removed but I hear the response from critics that something so violent was used as a marketing point…I also heard narrow minded slander towards the movie, the director, the producers, the entire cast and crew and witnessed a complete double standard in making such arguments…so credibility seemed thin from the get go. Nonetheless…Isreal is doing what he can short of putting a “Caution: Coffee is HOT” on his movie.

Being one of those people who is more than annoyed with a comment made elsewhere that a gay man needs permission from a transgender activist to make a movie or incapable of understanding trans issues, but a trans person is capable of making decisions on behalf of the gay community, I welcome the idea of Mr. Luna re-editing the trailer and adding “Law & Order” style disclaimer language.

If and or when he does, and people are still complaining, then we’ll know it wasn’t about someone being cited inappropriately but people just trying to have it their way based on their own narrowminded views and or lifestyle.

Lifestyle as in I don’t walk around acting like I’m Edward R. Murrow.

Mar 30, 2010 at 5:26 pm · @Reply ·

Suze

How pathetically sad that Luna caves to these thugs. You can be sure that if hordes of Christians protested his film as “offensive”, he would have told them to get stuffed. He should have said the same thing to these vile trans activists.

The really sad thing is that Luna actually believes that he will get credit for modifying the trailer and offering words of conciliation. Luna, don’t you know these contrived outrages are never about a genuine demand that can be met? The whole point of the exercise is to be outraged at someone or something, to be able to stand in judgment and to wield power over the target. You can never do or say anything that will satisfy them b/c being outraged is an end unto itself.

I hope the gay community takes a long, hard look at these trans activists that we have attached ourselves to. It is never too late to admit a mistake.

Mar 30, 2010 at 5:40 pm · @Reply ·

Tipper [Different person #1 using similar name]

The trailer is still in the works I’ve heard and should be ready for re-release very soon.

I’m on the fence about having it removed but I hear the response from critics that something so violent was used as a marketing point…I also heard narrow minded slander towards the movie, the director, the producers, the entire cast and crew and witnessed a complete double standard in making such argument, so credibility seemed thin from the get go. Nonetheless, Isreal is doing what he can short of putting a “Caution- Coffee is HOT” on his movie.

Mar 30, 2010 at 5:43 pm · @Reply ·

Allison

The truth is the Gay Community knows nothing when it comes to Trans issues. The Trans Community does not need the help from Luna to promote more violence towards us. I bet there would have been outrage from the Gay Community if a trailer would have portrayed Matthew Sheppard on the barbed wire fence and having a flick named Ticked Off Gays With Knives. There is no need to promote violence nor is there a need to make assimilations between the reality of the brutal death of Angie and a cheap cheesey flick. I’ll be willing to bet that Luna will not even be considered for a Razzie with something that is in such poor taste.

@Allison: Actually, Allison, while not a movie, there was something similar regarding Matthew Shepard and it came in the form of ABC News 20/20.

Mar 30, 2010 at 10:01 pm · @Reply ·

Allison

@NG. That is true,it was 20/20 which used discretion and told the facts as it was. Not some campy,cheesey flick that portrays us with negativity and promotes violence. We experience enough negativity in our daily lives that we don’t need some so called filmmaker showing us in a negative light. What he should concentrate on is some knock your socks off type of film that would have the possibilities of a Oscar. Not some crud that will lure the demented and perverse into perceiving us like the persona displayed in his flick. At least Transamerica was done properly with a mix of comedy and realism.

@NG. No I haven’t nor would I waste the energy nor the cost for something that probably rates lower than a B flick. The title itself is a turnoff. Rohan Spong a filmmaker from Australia did a excellent docu that was shown at Various worldwide film festivals it was called T is for Teacher. Argentinian filmmaker Lucia Puenzo was the Grand Prize Winner at Cannes with XXY. Those two films were a positive depiction

Mar 30, 2010 at 11:00 pm · @Reply ·

FoolMe1

I’m been a vocal critic of the trailer of this film, as well as other aspects of this that we can see. I’m glad that Mr Luna is removing the inappropriate use of real-life murdered trans women (actually a trans woman and another who the gay male community initially tried to distance from being trans) to market a “comedy/thriller”.

Mr Luna is not changing the story or that title you gay boys love so much – I know how much you all love trans women when we act like queens and MC your benefits. Too bad you can’t listen when we ask that you respect our dead that we are more than props in your movement.

Mar 30, 2010 at 11:29 pm · @Reply ·

Cumstain Jane

“The outcry is to me, the worst PC crap possible proving that some of our gate keepers have forgotten one of the most important aspects of Queer culture: the ability to laugh at ourselves. This film came from within our community, it embraces our love of the absurd, the campy, the transgressive, the over the top. While I cannot be a judge of how well Luna delivers on the attempt at humor, camp or satire, having not seen the film, the quality of the delivery is beside the point.”

Then I hope you’ll love the movie I’m making called “The Matthew Sheppard Follies”, it’s a light-hearted take on gay bashing that will expose the harsh reality of hatred against gays. It’s edgy and transgressive, I’m sure you’ll laugh a lot!!

Mar 31, 2010 at 12:46 am · @Reply ·

WiseUp

If the gay community, supposedly, knows nothing about the trans-community, why is GLAAD sticking their noses into this issue anyway?

Mar 31, 2010 at 6:47 am · @Reply ·

FoolMe1

@ Cumstain Jane

Make sure you make your film a musical – you know how the gays love them some show tunes.

@FoolMe1: There was no evidence that Jorge Steven was transgender. His friends and family even said so. That was nothing more than wishful thinking by a certain transgender citizen journalist and her attempt at revisionism so as to care and seek a means to exploit the story for her own personal gain.

Mar 31, 2010 at 10:06 am · @Reply ·

Kate

“To Shush the Critics, Ticked-Off Trannies Will Delete Its Entire Reason for Being”

So – you think it’s reason for being was to use murder victims as advertising? The rest of the film includes nothing for you? OK then.

Mar 31, 2010 at 10:55 am · @Reply ·

Kate

“I hope the gay community takes a long, hard look at these trans activists that we have attached ourselves to.”

So – they should stop any association with trans people by producing films about them. And assume in that action some special insight and kinship due to their gayness. Brilliant!

“It is never too late to admit a mistake.”

Not true – ask your mother.

Mar 31, 2010 at 10:59 am · @Reply ·

FoolMe1

@NG – Take the issue up with gay men who are using the young man to pimp his film.

Want to talk about revisionism? Ever read the books Gay American History or Celluloid Closet? Ever hear someone say “In some cultures gay men were healers and respected for their connection to both male and female”? That is some serious historic revision right there – all to benefit who?

I’m going to feel so much better about this death once this film is shown at Tribeca. Change my world, it will said Yoda.

Mar 31, 2010 at 12:25 pm · @Reply ·

Karen S

From a film making standpoint, pulling away the names of real murder victims helps it stand alone (or fall on its ass…it may yet be a poorly executed “frat boys in drag” romp…)

A good campy romp doesn’t need the imprimatur of reality…if anything, divorcing the film from real life events strengthens Israel’s movie as a campy paean to exploitation films. The blaxploitation films, and other such similar films, were divorced from reality…a world unto themselves. Israel Luna seems to have finally remembered that.

What really hurt was having the lives of people we care about mocked. The *coldblooded reactions* to the seriousness of the dangers Angie Zapata and Jorge Mercado (and hundreds of other murders transmen and transwomen) faced and lost out against, are far more disgusting than even their original inclusion by Luna.

While the film doesn’t appeal to me, and I would prefer to define my life for myself, thank you very much, Israel Luna did the right thing by disengaging real life events that still evoke grief in other’s live.

I have had people who have watched the trailor ask me if the people mentioned in the beginning were true or made up for the movie? There story is not out there and because of there “victory” there names have been silenced once again to the uknown. So enjoy your victory while turning a blind side to the cause. Hypocracy? I dont support Luna changing the trailor. But like someone else said, it will be neverending. They are in it for the rage. As long as they can play victum that is what the trans activists want. You say I undersatand your pain, I feel your sorrow, you side with them then get attacked with the very popular “you are not one so can never know”. They dont want people to understand, side with or except them. Then what do they have left? No one to blame for there shortcomings, nothing to get enraged over. Its there oxygen. So the trailor is being changed. Whats next?

A trans woman in NY was just found dead. Trans woman Regina Kleinzeller said “Deaths like hers are not entertainment, nor transploitation, nor trannies making rape jokes, nor posters of them licking blood off a knife. Her family lost a daughter, not a tranny.” Well, you are right, its not entertainment or funny, that is why it is featured in a newspaper obituary and the news cast NOT in a Movie. See, news=information about serious events. Movies=entertainment. I love how people judge a 2 hour movie without seeing it and all they can take awy from it is rape and comedy.

Michael – we really think that images like those related to this film will make those murders more likely. Not less likely.

You may disagree – but – you might consider that we have a much better basis to make that assessment of how things will effect from our past experience than most others could. I wouldn’t argue with a gay man my age if he told me he had a better appreciation for the aids crisis or how gay men were portrayed during the early years of it. Nor should I.

I’ve known several trans woman who have been murdered. I’ve been attacked, I’ve been shot at. It’s not an academic question for most of us. It’s visceral.

Mar 31, 2010 at 4:38 pm · @Reply ·

DarlieB

Gentlemen and Ladies,

If you wish to bludgeon gay people to death like Mathew Shepard in a comedy I will watch with awe. I am impressed by gay people who call other gays “faggot” as well. The need for a good special effects film about gutting a gay person savagely with a knife and then having them come back to life for revenge is a worthy theme.

I am not moved by the intentional re-victimization of the families of real life transsexual victims. I am also disappointed in Queertys one sided view. There was a time when gays bashed bi’s , now it is the transgenders turn. Revenge for “trans-jacking ” ENDA no doubt, oh wait , they were dumped and it failed all on it’s own . That couldn’t be it.

You all keep saying they haven’t seen the film but the thing most are offended by was the trailer which EVERYONE saw and even he agreed was wrong on second thought. I was prepared to drop it based on his earnest statement but if this community wants to make it another trans basher I will gladly step back in.

From one gay man to all the gay men who commented above, and who were so comfortable setting yourselves up as judge and jury:

If your first instinct is to blow off everyone who sees things differently than you, then you’re doing something wrong. And stupid, and petty, and small.

Love,
Matt

Apr 1, 2010 at 2:24 am · @Reply ·

missanthrope

g. They are in it for the rage. As long as they can play victum that is what the trans activists want.

Awwww….I’m too angry. Or maybe it could be that you just don’t understand the issues at hand, how this film is problematic and quite frankly have no interest in knowing. An then you turn it around trans activists, yes we’re the one who like being victimized, we enjoy being raging because our friends were killed and a directer is exploiting their deaths. This is what we live for, reacting to your actions, dancing to your tune, because if it weren’t like that, you’d have to be the bad guy because you actually said something fucked up and out of line.
t
why do that when you could put all of the onus on the other party for their own discirimination!

It’s kinda like that guy who was at fault for getting shot when he was standing in front a bullet. I mean, he should have moved or something.

“They dont want people to understand, side with or except it”

This the You Are Damaging Your Cause by Being Angry trope!!!! What a classic! Let’s see if I can remember how this goes:

It doesn’t matter that I encounter these kinds of slurs like “tranny” in many spaces I move in, it doesn’t matter that after experiencing this over and over again and might be a little legitimately angry at it. I mean, it’s my duty it sit down and take it, too accept every little crumb of concern you throw at me with sublime graditude.

By shaping the argument this way you can can shame me and other people in to silence, not to “annoy” you with our problems or legitimate complaints through being a smug, condescending asshole.

So this is the part where i’m supposed to be guilty over my anger right, I’m just want to get this down right, so i know the role you’ve written for me.

Man, I’ve got to tell you, this rhetorical strategy you’ve come up with is brilliant. I mean, everybody wins!!!!

Oh, except for trans people. But oh well, it’s not like you ever gave a shit about us anyway.

Apr 1, 2010 at 3:41 am · @Reply ·

Cumstain Jane [Different person #1 using similar name]

@ FoolMe1:

Oh, of course it will darling!!!!

We’ll have “over the rainbow”, “ymca” and “in the navy”, all of the classics!

I’m thinking of a different name though, what do yo guys think of “Killer Fudgepacking Ninnies with Light Loafers of Revenge!!!”

Too long you think?

Apr 1, 2010 at 3:50 am · @Reply ·

DarlieB

I like” Fisting Faggots with Nunchucks” and Matthew Shepard as the risen zombie.It will be hilarious !

Apr 1, 2010 at 4:13 am · @Reply ·

FoolMe1

I’m not signing on unless the words “Pissy” and “Pansy” are used. And yes.. gay-bash/ dance-fighting FTW

Apr 1, 2010 at 1:13 pm · @Reply ·

daisy

Pissy Sissies with Pistols. Also, cocks.

Be sure to have one bear, one twink, a cowboy, an Indian and a construction worker